ITEM PHOTO BY JIM WILSON
More than $1 million in federal funds made it possible to replace storm-ravaged docks B, C, D and E seen here at Lynn’s Seaport Marina, as well as install new wide cement docks, some new steel pilings and slender electrical boxes.
By THOMAS GRILLO
LYNN – The city has been reimbursed $1.3 million in federal money for repairs to the Seaport Landing Marina.
The cash, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Federal Disaster Aid Program, enabled the city to repair the marina damaged by a February 2013 winter storm.
Former Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency for Massachusetts as the blizzard approached, threatening the state with heavy snow and damaging winds. The declaration and one by the White House allowed for the federal dollars.
Dubbed “Nemo” by the Weather Channel, the storm dropped two feet of snow in the region and did lots of wind damage.
Fixes to the 165-slip marina included replacement of the B, C, D and E docks and the installation of wide cement docks, steel pilings and slender electrical boxes. They are expected to fare better in future storms.
“The 2013 blizzard did a number on the marina,” said James Marsh the city’s community development director, whose office owns and manages the facility. “We’ve been seeking the federal money ever since.”
More work must still be done, Marsh said. About $1.6 million is needed to repair the main gangway and A dock. But the federal money only comes once the city has completed the work and it is unclear when the repairs will commence.
“We are slowly piecing the marina back together,” Marsh said. “We are excited about the federal money, anything helps.”
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) said the federal dollars to refurbish the marina will support efforts to stimulate economic opportunity in the city.
“Lynn’s waterfront is integral to our Lynn Economic Advancement and Development (LEAD) team’s work to create jobs and spur development,” Moulton said in a statement.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said the waterfront has long been at the heart of the city’s master plan for redevelopment. “This will bring us one step closer in transforming one of the more underutilized areas of our city into an area of economic growth and opportunity,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Lynn is thrilled to receive this critical funding from FEMA to repair the marina.”
Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) said it’s another example of the continued collaboration with federal agencies resulting in much need needed resources to improve the city.
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Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected].